Transatlantic Challenge 1988 & 91 by Duke Marketing |
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 Duke Marketing continue to delve into what is arguably the world’s most extensive motoring film and audio archive to come up with some fascinating modern DVD’s. Using modern techniques, original footage is presented in a way it can be viewed to its best advantage today in a well matched, but very different, two-event programme.The Transatlantic Challenge was once regarded as the ultimate two-wheel showdown between the best racers from the United States and the UK competing against each other at a variety of circuits here during the Easter weekend. The format was simple, take the best riders from all classes and works teams from both sides of the pond and pit them against each other with nothing other than national pride being at stake. The result each year was some very close racing, not only between the two nationalities, but just individual riders giving it their all, in front of an always enthusiastic crowd. Following on from the very successful DVD, Transatlantic Challenge 1984-87, they have just released Transatlantic Challenge 1988 and 1991, reprising the same format. In this second compilation, Duke have brought together two years of racing, that while not that far apart, show how bikes changed over three years, not to mention the riders themselves. Unfortunately, as with any historic film, some of those featured have passed under the chequered flag for the final time, but are remembered here in stunning colour at the height of their racing prowess. At the other end of the scale, others shown were on their way to even greater success. The 1988 meeting was called Eurolantic Challenge to reflect the fact the fact that riders from Europe were also participating to add some extra interest to the two-day series. Decided after six-races spread between Brands Hatch and Donington, it proved the US riders were far from being out of their depth in the cold British weather. The US team was filled with superbike experts, including Doug Polen and Bubba Shobert, while the Euro-squad had riders of the calibre of ‘Rocket’ Ron Haslam, Roger Burnett, Roger Marshall and Trevor Nation, with Swede Anders Andersson justifying the ‘Euro’ tag. Watching the Superbike riders on bikes that at that time definitely looked like those you could buy at the local dealer is absolutely fascinating. Not only are the bikes and styles of race wear interesting, the footage makes you realise how much the broadcasts have improved. What you see is very slick and well put together, but it is dated, which certainly adds to the overall period feel of the DVD. These feelings are reinforced when the second programme starts covering the series three years on, giving you an immediate and very direct comparison between bikes, riders etc. Once again called the Transatlantic Challenge, it was back to US rand GB riders doing battle over two circuits, this time Brands and Mallory Park. Big names can be seen in action like ‘Fast’ Freddie Spencer who lead the American team and some British riders who are now better known as commentators and race mangers like James Whitham, Rob McElnea and Niall Mckenzie. Like the first part, it is an all action set of races that are as close as any modern race we see today. Combined the two series give you over an hour and half of awesome action footage, detailed commentary and interviews with the stars. This keeps you glued to your seat throughout, especially if like me you were there for some of the races. If you weren’t you might realise what you missed out on, definitely well worth the £15.65 asking price whichever camp you fall into. Ref:-DVD1153 As with the entire Duke catalogue, it is available from all leading video outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel 01624 640 000 or see www.DukeVideo.com online. Review by Ian Kerr
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